US20080247267A1 - Method and apparatus for cleaning rotary mixing device - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for cleaning rotary mixing device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080247267A1 US20080247267A1 US12/082,126 US8212608A US2008247267A1 US 20080247267 A1 US20080247267 A1 US 20080247267A1 US 8212608 A US8212608 A US 8212608A US 2008247267 A1 US2008247267 A1 US 2008247267A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- mixing
- mixing device
- shield
- shaft
- fluid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B7/00—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
- B08B7/02—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by distortion, beating, or vibration of the surface to be cleaned
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
- B01F27/05—Stirrers
- B01F27/11—Stirrers characterised by the configuration of the stirrers
- B01F27/13—Openwork frame or cage stirrers not provided for in other groups of this subclass
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
- B01F33/50—Movable or transportable mixing devices or plants
- B01F33/501—Movable mixing devices, i.e. readily shifted or displaced from one place to another, e.g. portable during use
- B01F33/5011—Movable mixing devices, i.e. readily shifted or displaced from one place to another, e.g. portable during use portable during use, e.g. hand-held
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
- B01F33/86—Mixing heads comprising a driven stirrer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
- B01F35/10—Maintenance of mixers
- B01F35/145—Washing or cleaning mixers not provided for in other groups in this subclass; Inhibiting build-up of material on machine parts using other means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
- B01F35/181—Preventing generation of dust or dirt; Sieves; Filters
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
- B01F35/181—Preventing generation of dust or dirt; Sieves; Filters
- B01F35/186—Preventing generation of dust or dirt; Sieves; Filters using splash guards in mixers for avoiding dirt or projection of material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B17/00—Methods preventing fouling
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F2101/00—Mixing characterised by the nature of the mixed materials or by the application field
- B01F2101/30—Mixing paints or paint ingredients, e.g. pigments, dyes, colours, lacquers or enamel
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S366/00—Agitating
- Y10S366/605—Paint mixer
Definitions
- the present invention relates to methods and devices for cleaning mixing devices.
- the present invention is a method and device for cleaning a mixing device.
- the method and device have particular applicability to cleaning of a rotary mixing device having a mixing cage or portion and a shaft or other drive element extending therefrom.
- the shield is cylindrical in shape and has a generally closed first end or base.
- the base preferably has an opening for accepting the shaft or drive element of a mixing device there through.
- the shield also has an open second end leading to an interior area for containing the mixer portion of the mixing device.
- a shield is located over at least the mixer portion of the mixing device.
- the shaft or other drive element of the mixing device may be extended through the opening in the base of the shield.
- the mixing device is activated, such as to cause it to rotate. This expels material clinging to or trapped by the mixing portion, such as paint, from the mixer portion of the mixing device. This material is blocked or caught by the shield.
- the method and device of the invention are applicable to a wide range of mixing devices.
- the method and device may be utilized to clean a mixing device including a mixing cage connected to a shaft.
- the shaft is elongate, having a first end connected to the mixing cage, and a second or free end for connection to the rotary drive means.
- the mixing cage comprises a plurality of vanes configured to rotate with the shaft.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mixing device in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention for use in the method of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the mixing device illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the mixing device illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the mixing device illustrated FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 illustrates use of the mixing device illustrated in FIG. 1 to mix a fluid in a container
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mixing device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mixing device illustrated in FIG. 6 in a separated state
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the mixing device illustrated in FIG. 6 taken along line 8 - 8 therein;
- FIG. 9 is an end view of the mixing device illustrated in FIG. 8 taken in the direction of line 9 - 9 therein;
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mixing device illustrated in FIG. 8 taken along line 10 - 10 therein;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cleaning shield in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cleaning shield illustrated in FIG. 11 after association with a mixing device.
- FIG. 13 illustrates the cleaning shield in a use position over a mixing cage or mixing portion of a mixing device.
- the invention comprises a method and device for cleaning a mixing device.
- the method and device have particular applicability to rotary mixing devices, such as of the type having a mixing cage or mixing portion which is rotated via a drive element by a shaft or drive member.
- FIG. 1 illustrates one mixing device 20 of the type to which the present invention is applicable.
- the device 20 includes mixing cage 21 connected to a shaft 22 .
- the mixing cage 21 comprises a central connecting plate 24 , vanes 26 , and two hoops 28 , 30 .
- the shaft 22 is an elongate rigid member having a first end 32 and second end 34 .
- the second end 34 of the shaft 22 is connected to the central plate 24 .
- the second end 34 of the shaft 22 engages an adapter 36 connected to the plate 24 .
- the shaft end 34 engages the plate 24 at the center point of the plate 24 .
- the central plate 24 comprises a flat, disc-shaped member having a top surface 38 , bottom surface 40 and outer edge 43 .
- the shaft 22 engages the plate 24 at the top surface 38 thereof.
- a number of vanes 26 extend from the top and bottom surface 38 , 40 respectively, of the plate 24 or support near the outer edge 43 or periphery thereof.
- Each vane 26 has a first or_inner edge and second or outer edge, being curved therebetween. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 , although the vanes 26 are curved, the inner and outer edges thereof are generally aligned in a radial direction from the shaft 22 or from an axis along which the shaft extends.
- each vane is connected to a support hoop 28 , 30 .
- Each hoop 28 , 30 comprises a relatively rigid circular member. A first portion of each hoop 28 , 30 extends over the end of each of the vanes, and a second portion of each hoop 28 , 30 extends downwardly along the outer surface of each vane, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 .
- a user obtains a container 42 containing fluid 44 to be mixed.
- This container 42 may comprise a paint can or any other container.
- the fluid 44 to be mixed may comprise nearly any type of fluid, such as a viscous fluid.
- the drive means may comprise a drill 46 .
- the user attaches the first end 32 of the shaft 22 to the drill 46 , such as by locating the end 32 of the shaft in the chuck of the drill.
- the user lowers the mixing cage 21 into the fluid 44 in the container 42 .
- the user locates the mixing cage 21 below the top surface of the fluid.
- the drill 46 is turned on, thus effectuating rotational movement of the mixing cage 21 .
- FIGS. 6-10 Another mixing device 120 of the type to which the invention is applicable is illustrated in FIGS. 6-10 .
- This mixing device 120 is similar in many respects to the device 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 , except for the configuration of vanes thereof.
- the mixing device 120 comprises a cage-like structure having generally open ends.
- the device 120 includes a shaft 122 for rotation by a rotary drive means such as a drill (in similar fashion to that illustrated in FIG. 5 ).
- the shaft 122 connects to a central connecting plate or support 124 .
- the shaft 122 has a first end 132 for connection to a rotary drive device and a second end 134 connected to the central plate 124 .
- the second end 134 of the shaft 122 engages a hub 136 or similar adaptor member associated with the central plate 124 .
- the second end 134 of the shaft 122 securely engages the central plate 124 and aids in preventing relative rotation of the shaft 122 with respect to the central plate 124 .
- the central plate 124 has an outer edge 143 defining a generally circular perimeter.
- the shaft 122 is connected to the plate 124 at a center thereof, whereby the mixing cage rotates generally symmetrically about an axis through the shaft 122 .
- a number of vanes 126 extend from one or both of a top side 138 and bottom side 140 of the central plate 124 . As illustrated, vanes 126 extend from both the top and bottom side 138 , 140 of the plate 124 .
- Each vane 126 has an inner edge 160 and an outer edge 162 . The outer edge 162 of each vane 126 is located near the outer periphery of the central plate 124 and extends generally along a line perpendicular to the plate 124 .
- each vane 126 may be curved between its inner edge 160 and outer edge 162 .
- the curved shape of each vane 126 causes it to have a concave surface 127 and a convex surface 129 .
- each vane 126 has a first, top or distal end 164 and a second, bottom or proximal end 166 .
- Each bottom or proximal end 166 is connected to the central plate 124 .
- the top or distal end 164 is positioned remote from the central plate 124 .
- one end of the vanes defines a first opening and the other end of the vanes defines a second opening.
- a connector connects the top ends 164 of the vanes 126 .
- a first hoop 128 connects the top ends 164 of the vanes 126 extending from the top side 138 of the central plate 124 .
- a second hoop 130 connects the top ends 164 of the vanes 126 extending from the bottom side 140 of the plate 124 .
- each hoop 128 , 130 is generally circular.
- Each hoop 128 , 130 extends outwardly beyond the outer edges 162 of the vanes 126 .
- Each vane 126 preferably extends inwardly from the outer periphery 143 of the support or central plate 124 .
- the bottom end 166 of each vane 126 extends inwardly towards the center of the support or central plate 124 or towards the axis along which the shaft 122 extends by a distance which is greater than a distance the vane extends inwardly at its top end 164 .
- the width of the vanes between their inner edge 160 and outer edge 162 at a first end, such as the top end 164 is smaller than that of the vanes 126 at a second end, such as the bottom end 166 .
- the central connecting plate 124 may comprise a top portion 125 a and a bottom portion 125 b which maybe selectively connected and disconnected.
- FIG. 6 illustrates the top and bottom portions 125 a , 125 b in their connected position, while FIG. 7 illustrates them in their disconnected position.
- one set of vanes 126 extends outwardly from a top side of the top portion 125 a of the central plate 124 .
- Another set of vanes 126 extends outwardly from a bottom side of the bottom portion 125 b of the central plate 124 .
- Means are provided for selectively connecting the top and bottom portions 125 a , 125 b of the plate 124 .
- This means may comprise one or more pins 168 extending from a top side of the bottom portion 125 b of the central plate 124 . These pins 168 are adapted to engage bores 170 provided in the top portion 125 a of the central plate 124 .
- the pins 168 are slotted. This permits the pins 168 to be compressed when inserted into a mating bore 170 . Once inserted, the biasing force generated as a result of the pin 168 being inserted into the bore 170 serves to retain the pin 168 securely with the top portion 125 a of the plate 124 .
- the hub 136 extends from the bottom surface of the top portion 125 a of the central plate 124 .
- a mating port or bore 172 is provided in the bottom portion 125 b of the central plate 124 for accepting the hub extension. The mating of the hub extension and port 172 aids in aligning the two portions of the mixing device 120 .
- a hub 174 extends downwardly from the bottom side of the bottom portion 125 b of the plate 124 .
- the hub 174 is sized to accept the hub extension.
- the locations of the pins 168 around the port 172 serves to prevent rotation of the bottom portion of the mixing device relative to the top portion when the mixing device 120 is in use.
- a rotary drive is coupled to the shaft 122 and the device 120 is located in a container containing material to be mixed. The device 120 is then rotated to mix the material.
- a mixing device such as that described above
- a large amount of fluid and or other material may cling to the mixing device or be trapped by the device.
- a great deal of paint generally clings to the mixing device.
- this is due, in part, to the large surface area represented by the many vanes of the device.
- the vanes of such devices may trap paint globules, paint skin, contaminants or other materials.
- One method for cleaning the device is to place the device in a cleaning solution.
- a cleaning solution For example, for latex paint, the device may be placed in water.
- the device For oil based paint, the device may be placed in paint thinner or a similar cleaner.
- this requires the user to prepare a separate container of cleaning solution. Further, paint or other material may drip from the mixing device when it is moved from the paint container to the location where the device is to be cleaned.
- the cleaning solution maybe very contaminated during the cleaning process, perhaps even requiring that the cleaning solution be prepared twice.
- the present invention is a method and device for cleaning a mixing device.
- the method and device have particular applicability to rotary mixing devices, such as of the type detailed above.
- the device of the invention is configured to at least partially contain a mixing device while the mixing device is moved, such as rotated, to expel fluid or other material therefrom.
- the device comprises a shield 200 .
- the shield 200 is a substantially hollow, cylindrical body 202 .
- the body 202 has a first end 204 and a generally opposing second end 206 .
- the first end 204 comprises a generally closed or solid base and which is generally circular in shape.
- a cylindrical wall 208 extends outwardly from the first end 204 to the second end 206 .
- the cylindrical wall 208 is positioned at the periphery of the first end 204 or base.
- the second end 206 is generally open.
- the shield 200 defines a generally open interior space 210 . This space 210 is accessible through the open second end 206 .
- At least one opening or aperture 212 is provided in the first end 204 or base. This aperture 212 is configured to accept a shaft there through, as described in more detail below.
- the shield 200 is constructed of plastic or other polymer material.
- the shield 200 may, for example, be formed in a molding process.
- the shield 200 may be generally transparent to permit the user to see there through.
- the shield 200 is preferably associated with a mixing device 20 .
- the shield 200 is inserted onto the free end of the driving shaft 22 of the mixing device 20 .
- the free end of the driving shaft 22 is inserted through the aperture 212 in the shield 200 .
- the shield 200 is associated with the mixing device 20 before the mixing device 20 is engaged with the rotary drive and before the mixing device is used in a mixing process.
- the mixing cage or mixing portion 21 of the device 20 may then be lowered into the fluid to be mixed and used to mix the fluid.
- the shield 200 is maintained towards the second end of the shaft 22 , away from the mixing cage 21 (and thus out of the fluid being mixed).
- the mixing cage 21 is preferably raised out of the fluid.
- the shield 200 may be lowered over the mixing cage 21 , into the position illustrated in FIG. 13 .
- the mixing cage 21 is preferably rotated. Centrifugal forces cause the fluid to be expelled radially outward form the mixing cage 21 .
- This fluid advantageously impacts and/or collects upon the interior of the shield 200 . As illustrated, if sufficient fluid is collected on the shield 200 , it may drip or flow out the open second end 206 . This fluid may be returned to the fluid container (such as paint container), as illustrated.
- the mixing device and shield might be located over a trash can or the like during this process as well, thus permitting the excess fluid and/or other material to be disposed of.
- the majority of the fluid or other material which was retained on or in the mixing cage/portion after mixing is removed.
- the mixer may be sufficiently clean at that time to eliminate the need for further cleaning.
- the mixing device and shield can be further cleaned, such as by lowering them into a cleaning fluid and then rotating the mixer. This causes cleaning fluid to move over the vanes and other portions of the mixing cage, removing the paint or other material.
- the cleaning fluid impacts the shield, cleaning the shield. It is noted that this cleaning is accelerated because the bulk of the paint has been removed from the mixing device.
- the mixing device may be removed from the rotary mixing device and the mixing device and shield may be manually cleaned. This may be accomplished by wiping or spraying the mixing device and/or shield, for example.
- the shield may be removed from the mixing device, such as by pulling it off of the drive shaft.
- the size and shape of the shield 200 may vary. As illustrated in FIG. 12 , the shield 200 is preferably sized large enough so that the mixing cage or other portion of the mixing device to be cleaned will fit in the interior thereof. Preferably, the shield 200 is sized slightly larger than the mixing device to be cleaned, so that fluid or other material which is expelled radially does not come back into contact with the rotating mixing device. The shield 200 may also not be sized too large, so as to prevent the fluid from being expelled and not caught by the shield 200 . While the shield 200 is illustrated as generally circular in cross-section, the shield 200 may be oval, square, rectangular, irregular or of other shapes. Shapes causing the shield 200 to have folds, creases, sharp corners or the like are less preferred because paint or other material may be lodged in these areas.
- the shield 200 maybe used with a variety of mixing devices.
- the shield 200 may be large enough to accommodate various sized mixing devices.
- the shield 200 may have a variety of configurations.
- the shield 200 may be more elongate and have a small diameter when configured for use with a mixing device 120 such as that illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- the shield may be utilized with other types of mixing device.
- the shield may similarly be utilized with mixing devices having mixing portions comprising blades, impellers or other types of mixing elements, and which are driven by shafts or other types of drive elements.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Mixers Of The Rotary Stirring Type (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/910,741, filed Apr. 9, 2007.
- The present invention relates to methods and devices for cleaning mixing devices.
- The mixing of viscous fluids has historically been a difficult task. Present methods of mixing such fluids often result in inadequate mixing and are time-consuming and energy consumptive. One of the more common viscous fluids which must be mixed is paint. Homeowners and painters are all too familiar with the task of mixing paint.
- Probably the most common method of mixing fluid such as paint involves the user opening the container, inserting a stir stick or rod and rotating or moving the stick about the container. This method is tiring, requiring tremendous effort to move the stir stick through the viscous fluid. Because of this, individuals often give up and stop mixing long before the paint is adequately mixed. Further, even if the individual moves the stir stick for a long period of time, there is no guarantee that the paint is thoroughly mixed, rather than simply moved about the container.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,317 represents one solution to mixing such fluids. This patent details various configurations of rotary mixing devices. While these mixers are very effective in mixing fluids, there is needed an efficient and effective way of cleaning these mixers.
- The present invention is a method and device for cleaning a mixing device. The method and device have particular applicability to cleaning of a rotary mixing device having a mixing cage or portion and a shaft or other drive element extending therefrom.
- One embodiment of the invention is a shield. In one embodiment, the shield is cylindrical in shape and has a generally closed first end or base. The base preferably has an opening for accepting the shaft or drive element of a mixing device there through. The shield also has an open second end leading to an interior area for containing the mixer portion of the mixing device.
- In one embodiment of a method, a shield is located over at least the mixer portion of the mixing device. The shaft or other drive element of the mixing device may be extended through the opening in the base of the shield. The mixing device is activated, such as to cause it to rotate. This expels material clinging to or trapped by the mixing portion, such as paint, from the mixer portion of the mixing device. This material is blocked or caught by the shield.
- The method and device of the invention are applicable to a wide range of mixing devices. In one embodiment, the method and device may be utilized to clean a mixing device including a mixing cage connected to a shaft. The shaft is elongate, having a first end connected to the mixing cage, and a second or free end for connection to the rotary drive means. The mixing cage comprises a plurality of vanes configured to rotate with the shaft.
- Further objections, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mixing device in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention for use in the method of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the mixing device illustrated inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the mixing device illustrated inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the mixing device illustratedFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 illustrates use of the mixing device illustrated inFIG. 1 to mix a fluid in a container; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mixing device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mixing device illustrated inFIG. 6 in a separated state; -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the mixing device illustrated inFIG. 6 taken along line 8-8 therein; -
FIG. 9 is an end view of the mixing device illustrated inFIG. 8 taken in the direction of line 9-9 therein; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mixing device illustrated inFIG. 8 taken along line 10-10 therein; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cleaning shield in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cleaning shield illustrated inFIG. 11 after association with a mixing device; and -
FIG. 13 illustrates the cleaning shield in a use position over a mixing cage or mixing portion of a mixing device. - In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
- Generally, the invention comprises a method and device for cleaning a mixing device. The method and device have particular applicability to rotary mixing devices, such as of the type having a mixing cage or mixing portion which is rotated via a drive element by a shaft or drive member.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates onemixing device 20 of the type to which the present invention is applicable. Thedevice 20 includes mixingcage 21 connected to ashaft 22. As illustrated, themixing cage 21 comprises acentral connecting plate 24,vanes 26, and twohoops shaft 22 is an elongate rigid member having afirst end 32 andsecond end 34. Thesecond end 34 of theshaft 22 is connected to thecentral plate 24. Thesecond end 34 of theshaft 22 engages anadapter 36 connected to theplate 24. Theshaft end 34 engages theplate 24 at the center point of theplate 24. Thecentral plate 24 comprises a flat, disc-shaped member having atop surface 38,bottom surface 40 andouter edge 43. Theshaft 22 engages theplate 24 at thetop surface 38 thereof. - A number of
vanes 26 extend from the top andbottom surface plate 24 or support near theouter edge 43 or periphery thereof. Eachvane 26 has a first or_inner edge and second or outer edge, being curved therebetween. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3 , although thevanes 26 are curved, the inner and outer edges thereof are generally aligned in a radial direction from theshaft 22 or from an axis along which the shaft extends. - The free end of each vane is connected to a
support hoop hoop hoop hoop FIGS. 2-4 . - In use, referring to
FIG. 5 , a user obtains acontainer 42 containingfluid 44 to be mixed. Thiscontainer 42 may comprise a paint can or any other container. The fluid 44 to be mixed may comprise nearly any type of fluid, such as a viscous fluid. - The user attaches the
device 20 to a rotary drive means. As illustrated inFIG. 5 , the drive means may comprise adrill 46. The user attaches thefirst end 32 of theshaft 22 to thedrill 46, such as by locating theend 32 of the shaft in the chuck of the drill. Once connected, the user lowers the mixingcage 21 into the fluid 44 in thecontainer 42. The user locates the mixingcage 21 below the top surface of the fluid. Once inserted into the fluid 44, thedrill 46 is turned on, thus effectuating rotational movement of the mixingcage 21. - Another
mixing device 120 of the type to which the invention is applicable is illustrated inFIGS. 6-10 . Thismixing device 120 is similar in many respects to thedevice 20 illustrated inFIGS. 1-5 , except for the configuration of vanes thereof. Thus, themixing device 120 comprises a cage-like structure having generally open ends. Thedevice 120 includes ashaft 122 for rotation by a rotary drive means such as a drill (in similar fashion to that illustrated inFIG. 5 ). Theshaft 122 connects to a central connecting plate orsupport 124. Theshaft 122 has afirst end 132 for connection to a rotary drive device and asecond end 134 connected to thecentral plate 124. As illustrated, thesecond end 134 of theshaft 122 engages ahub 136 or similar adaptor member associated with thecentral plate 124. Thesecond end 134 of theshaft 122 securely engages thecentral plate 124 and aids in preventing relative rotation of theshaft 122 with respect to thecentral plate 124. - As illustrated, the
central plate 124 has anouter edge 143 defining a generally circular perimeter. Theshaft 122 is connected to theplate 124 at a center thereof, whereby the mixing cage rotates generally symmetrically about an axis through theshaft 122. - A number of
vanes 126 extend from one or both of atop side 138 andbottom side 140 of thecentral plate 124. As illustrated,vanes 126 extend from both the top andbottom side plate 124. Eachvane 126 has aninner edge 160 and anouter edge 162. Theouter edge 162 of eachvane 126 is located near the outer periphery of thecentral plate 124 and extends generally along a line perpendicular to theplate 124. - Referring to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , eachvane 126 may be curved between itsinner edge 160 andouter edge 162. The curved shape of eachvane 126 causes it to have aconcave surface 127 and aconvex surface 129. - Referring to
FIGS. 6 and 8 , eachvane 126 has a first, top ordistal end 164 and a second, bottom orproximal end 166. Each bottom orproximal end 166 is connected to thecentral plate 124. The top ordistal end 164 is positioned remote from thecentral plate 124. As illustrated inFIG. 9 , one end of the vanes defines a first opening and the other end of the vanes defines a second opening. - In the configuration illustrated, a connector connects the top ends 164 of the
vanes 126. In the embodiment illustrated, afirst hoop 128 connects the top ends 164 of thevanes 126 extending from thetop side 138 of thecentral plate 124. Asecond hoop 130 connects the top ends 164 of thevanes 126 extending from thebottom side 140 of theplate 124. As illustrated, eachhoop hoop outer edges 162 of thevanes 126. - Each
vane 126 preferably extends inwardly from theouter periphery 143 of the support orcentral plate 124. Thebottom end 166 of eachvane 126 extends inwardly towards the center of the support orcentral plate 124 or towards the axis along which theshaft 122 extends by a distance which is greater than a distance the vane extends inwardly at itstop end 164. In the embodiment illustrated, the width of the vanes between theirinner edge 160 andouter edge 162 at a first end, such as thetop end 164, is smaller than that of thevanes 126 at a second end, such as thebottom end 166. - In a configuration in which the
vanes 126 extend from both sides of thecentral plate 124, the central connectingplate 124 may comprise atop portion 125 a and abottom portion 125 b which maybe selectively connected and disconnected.FIG. 6 illustrates the top andbottom portions FIG. 7 illustrates them in their disconnected position. Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8 , one set ofvanes 126 extends outwardly from a top side of thetop portion 125 a of thecentral plate 124. Another set ofvanes 126 extends outwardly from a bottom side of thebottom portion 125 b of thecentral plate 124. - Means are provided for selectively connecting the top and
bottom portions plate 124. This means may comprise one ormore pins 168 extending from a top side of thebottom portion 125 b of thecentral plate 124. Thesepins 168 are adapted to engagebores 170 provided in thetop portion 125 a of thecentral plate 124. In one or more embodiments, thepins 168 are slotted. This permits thepins 168 to be compressed when inserted into amating bore 170. Once inserted, the biasing force generated as a result of thepin 168 being inserted into thebore 170 serves to retain thepin 168 securely with thetop portion 125 a of theplate 124. - In addition, the
hub 136 extends from the bottom surface of thetop portion 125 a of thecentral plate 124. A mating port or bore 172 is provided in thebottom portion 125 b of thecentral plate 124 for accepting the hub extension. The mating of the hub extension andport 172 aids in aligning the two portions of themixing device 120. As illustrated inFIG. 8 , in one or more embodiments, ahub 174 extends downwardly from the bottom side of thebottom portion 125 b of theplate 124. Thehub 174 is sized to accept the hub extension. The locations of thepins 168 around theport 172 serves to prevent rotation of the bottom portion of the mixing device relative to the top portion when themixing device 120 is in use. - Use of the
mixing device 120 of this embodiment of the invention is similar to that of the mixingdevice 20 described above and illustrated inFIG. 5 . In particular, a rotary drive is coupled to theshaft 122 and thedevice 120 is located in a container containing material to be mixed. Thedevice 120 is then rotated to mix the material. - When a mixing device (such as that described above) is used, a large amount of fluid and or other material may cling to the mixing device or be trapped by the device. For example when the mixing device is pulled upwardly from the paint or other material being mixed, a great deal of paint generally clings to the mixing device. In the case of the vaned mixing devices described above, this is due, in part, to the large surface area represented by the many vanes of the device. In addition, the vanes of such devices may trap paint globules, paint skin, contaminants or other materials.
- One issue thus becomes cleaning of the device. If the paint or other material is left on the device, it may dry and harden. This may damage the device and/or interfere with its proper operation in the future.
- One method for cleaning the device is to place the device in a cleaning solution. For example, for latex paint, the device may be placed in water. For oil based paint, the device may be placed in paint thinner or a similar cleaner. However, this requires the user to prepare a separate container of cleaning solution. Further, paint or other material may drip from the mixing device when it is moved from the paint container to the location where the device is to be cleaned. Lastly, because so much fluid may be retained on the device, the cleaning solution maybe very contaminated during the cleaning process, perhaps even requiring that the cleaning solution be prepared twice.
- The present invention is a method and device for cleaning a mixing device. The method and device have particular applicability to rotary mixing devices, such as of the type detailed above. In general, the device of the invention is configured to at least partially contain a mixing device while the mixing device is moved, such as rotated, to expel fluid or other material therefrom.
- One embodiment of a cleaning device is illustrated in
FIG. 11 . As illustrated, the device comprises ashield 200. In one embodiment, theshield 200 is a substantially hollow,cylindrical body 202. As illustrated, thebody 202 has afirst end 204 and a generally opposingsecond end 206. Thefirst end 204 comprises a generally closed or solid base and which is generally circular in shape. Acylindrical wall 208 extends outwardly from thefirst end 204 to thesecond end 206. In a preferred embodiment, thecylindrical wall 208 is positioned at the periphery of thefirst end 204 or base. Thesecond end 206 is generally open. - The
shield 200 defines a generally openinterior space 210. Thisspace 210 is accessible through the opensecond end 206. - In one embodiment, at least one opening or
aperture 212 is provided in thefirst end 204 or base. Thisaperture 212 is configured to accept a shaft there through, as described in more detail below. - In one embodiment, the
shield 200 is constructed of plastic or other polymer material. Theshield 200 may, for example, be formed in a molding process. Theshield 200 may be generally transparent to permit the user to see there through. - A method of cleaning a rotary device will be described with reference to
FIGS. 1 and 13 . As illustrated inFIG. 12 , theshield 200 is preferably associated with a mixingdevice 20. In a preferred embodiment, theshield 200 is inserted onto the free end of the drivingshaft 22 of the mixingdevice 20. In particular, the free end of the drivingshaft 22 is inserted through theaperture 212 in theshield 200. - In a preferred embodiment, the
shield 200 is associated with the mixingdevice 20 before the mixingdevice 20 is engaged with the rotary drive and before the mixing device is used in a mixing process. The mixing cage or mixingportion 21 of thedevice 20 may then be lowered into the fluid to be mixed and used to mix the fluid. Preferably, during mixing, theshield 200 is maintained towards the second end of theshaft 22, away from the mixing cage 21 (and thus out of the fluid being mixed). - Once mixing is complete, the mixing
cage 21 is preferably raised out of the fluid. Theshield 200 may be lowered over the mixingcage 21, into the position illustrated inFIG. 13 . At this time, the mixingcage 21 is preferably rotated. Centrifugal forces cause the fluid to be expelled radially outward form the mixingcage 21. This fluid advantageously impacts and/or collects upon the interior of theshield 200. As illustrated, if sufficient fluid is collected on theshield 200, it may drip or flow out the opensecond end 206. This fluid may be returned to the fluid container (such as paint container), as illustrated. Of course, the mixing device and shield might be located over a trash can or the like during this process as well, thus permitting the excess fluid and/or other material to be disposed of. - In this process, the majority of the fluid or other material which was retained on or in the mixing cage/portion after mixing is removed. The mixer may be sufficiently clean at that time to eliminate the need for further cleaning. Alternatively, the mixing device and shield can be further cleaned, such as by lowering them into a cleaning fluid and then rotating the mixer. This causes cleaning fluid to move over the vanes and other portions of the mixing cage, removing the paint or other material. In addition, the cleaning fluid impacts the shield, cleaning the shield. It is noted that this cleaning is accelerated because the bulk of the paint has been removed from the mixing device.
- Alternatively, the mixing device may be removed from the rotary mixing device and the mixing device and shield may be manually cleaned. This may be accomplished by wiping or spraying the mixing device and/or shield, for example.
- Once complete, the shield may be removed from the mixing device, such as by pulling it off of the drive shaft.
- The size and shape of the
shield 200 may vary. As illustrated inFIG. 12 , theshield 200 is preferably sized large enough so that the mixing cage or other portion of the mixing device to be cleaned will fit in the interior thereof. Preferably, theshield 200 is sized slightly larger than the mixing device to be cleaned, so that fluid or other material which is expelled radially does not come back into contact with the rotating mixing device. Theshield 200 may also not be sized too large, so as to prevent the fluid from being expelled and not caught by theshield 200. While theshield 200 is illustrated as generally circular in cross-section, theshield 200 may be oval, square, rectangular, irregular or of other shapes. Shapes causing theshield 200 to have folds, creases, sharp corners or the like are less preferred because paint or other material may be lodged in these areas. - It will be appreciated that the
shield 200 maybe used with a variety of mixing devices. For example, theshield 200 may be large enough to accommodate various sized mixing devices. In other embodiments, theshield 200 may have a variety of configurations. For example, theshield 200 may be more elongate and have a small diameter when configured for use with amixing device 120 such as that illustrated inFIG. 6 . - Of course, the shield may be utilized with other types of mixing device. For example, the shield may similarly be utilized with mixing devices having mixing portions comprising blades, impellers or other types of mixing elements, and which are driven by shafts or other types of drive elements.
- It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and any other embodiments and modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
Claims (4)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/082,126 US7473026B2 (en) | 2007-04-09 | 2008-04-08 | Method for cleaning a rotary mixing device with a cleaning shield |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US91074107P | 2007-04-09 | 2007-04-09 | |
US12/082,126 US7473026B2 (en) | 2007-04-09 | 2008-04-08 | Method for cleaning a rotary mixing device with a cleaning shield |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080247267A1 true US20080247267A1 (en) | 2008-10-09 |
US7473026B2 US7473026B2 (en) | 2009-01-06 |
Family
ID=39826775
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/082,126 Expired - Fee Related US7473026B2 (en) | 2007-04-09 | 2008-04-08 | Method for cleaning a rotary mixing device with a cleaning shield |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7473026B2 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090135668A1 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2009-05-28 | Ralph Hamilton | Stirrer Tool With Radially and Distally Extending Flexible Projections |
CN102451626A (en) * | 2010-10-26 | 2012-05-16 | 上海图博可特石油管道涂层有限公司 | Field stirring and mixing method for two-component coating and stirring squirrel cage for same |
WO2013082717A1 (en) * | 2011-12-06 | 2013-06-13 | Bachellier Carl Roy | Improved impeller apparatus and dispersion method |
US9863423B2 (en) | 2014-04-14 | 2018-01-09 | Enevor Inc. | Conical impeller and applications thereof |
IT201600072215A1 (en) * | 2016-07-11 | 2018-01-11 | Caseartecnica Bartoli S R L | AGITATOR EQUIPMENT WITH SAFETY OIL SEALER, SAFETY KIT INSTALLABLE ON MIXING EQUIPMENT |
WO2019075627A1 (en) * | 2017-10-17 | 2019-04-25 | 赵锦成 | Novel disperser |
CN112675723A (en) * | 2020-12-18 | 2021-04-20 | 广州妍肌化妆品科技有限公司 | Cosmetics vacuum emulsification device |
US20220183504A1 (en) * | 2020-12-16 | 2022-06-16 | Jose Garcia | Drink Mixer Apparatus |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020024885A1 (en) * | 2001-03-28 | 2002-02-28 | King Ronnald B. | Mixing device having vanes with sloping edges and Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US8307491B1 (en) * | 2008-04-06 | 2012-11-13 | Matthew Justin Michel | Whisk wiper |
US8336731B2 (en) * | 2008-11-05 | 2012-12-25 | F'real Foods, Llc | Method and apparatus for rotationally restraining a mixing container |
WO2011046893A1 (en) | 2009-10-16 | 2011-04-21 | F'real Foods, L.L.C. | Commercial frozen food preparation apparatus electronics |
US10369534B2 (en) * | 2016-11-14 | 2019-08-06 | Tammie E. Davis | Convertible mixer assembly with a stand |
Citations (76)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US59493A (en) * | 1866-11-06 | Improvement in smut-machines | ||
US1412401A (en) * | 1920-10-14 | 1922-04-11 | Gotfredsen Carl | Protective shield for mixers and the like |
US2619330A (en) * | 1949-09-09 | 1952-11-25 | Willems Peter | Mixing and dispersing device |
US2655436A (en) * | 1949-07-26 | 1953-10-13 | United States Steel Corp | Tank reactor |
US2681211A (en) * | 1953-01-19 | 1954-06-15 | Marguerette E Reynolds | Food mixer |
US2724547A (en) * | 1950-12-01 | 1955-11-22 | Utility Appliance Corp | Blower wheel |
US2736537A (en) * | 1952-09-03 | 1956-02-28 | Nelsson Nels | Mixing bit |
US2753162A (en) * | 1953-11-06 | 1956-07-03 | Conley Ray | Paint mixer |
US2803398A (en) * | 1956-05-11 | 1957-08-20 | Vernco Corp | Convex back plate blower wheel |
US2879044A (en) * | 1956-11-13 | 1959-03-24 | Peter J Gunas | Paint mixing tool |
US3147957A (en) * | 1960-05-31 | 1964-09-08 | W J Cooper | Liquid mixing device |
US3166303A (en) * | 1961-08-09 | 1965-01-19 | Barton B Chapman | Power-driven mixing apparatus |
US3319940A (en) * | 1966-04-08 | 1967-05-16 | Albert C Notte Jr | Device for stirring liquids |
US3362689A (en) * | 1966-11-15 | 1968-01-09 | Silverson Machines Ltd | Immersion mixing apparatus |
US3362338A (en) * | 1965-01-28 | 1968-01-09 | Armstrong Ltd S A | Impellers for centrifugal pumps |
US3387832A (en) * | 1967-05-02 | 1968-06-11 | American Cyanamid Co | Apparatus for dispersing a gas in a liquid |
US3423075A (en) * | 1967-01-31 | 1969-01-21 | Nat Lead Co | Mixing device |
US3464622A (en) * | 1968-01-25 | 1969-09-02 | Donald I Dennis | Blower fan |
US3521973A (en) * | 1968-08-16 | 1970-07-28 | Anpol Research Corp | Fan construction |
US3690621A (en) * | 1969-03-04 | 1972-09-12 | Itsuko Tanaka | Agitator |
US3733645A (en) * | 1971-08-31 | 1973-05-22 | E Seiler | Paint mixing and paint roller mounting apparatus |
US3846043A (en) * | 1973-03-12 | 1974-11-05 | Broan Mfg Co Inc | Blower wheel |
US3920227A (en) * | 1974-06-13 | 1975-11-18 | Jr Philip E Davis | Adjustable mixing device |
US3942770A (en) * | 1973-06-25 | 1976-03-09 | U.S. Philips Corporation | Device for stirring a liquid |
US3972512A (en) * | 1973-09-24 | 1976-08-03 | Grise Frederick Gerard J | Mixing materials in containers |
US4159191A (en) * | 1977-08-01 | 1979-06-26 | Graybill Clinton L | Fluid rotor |
US4163616A (en) * | 1978-03-23 | 1979-08-07 | Finish Engineering Company, Inc. | Top-to-bottom mixer |
US4175875A (en) * | 1976-10-29 | 1979-11-27 | Judd Van Horbek | Hand mixing apparatus |
US4444510A (en) * | 1981-03-17 | 1984-04-24 | Nederlandse Centrale Organisatie Voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek | Stirrer, having substantially triangular, radial blades, rising toward the circumference |
US4451155A (en) * | 1983-01-20 | 1984-05-29 | A. R. Wilfley And Sons, Inc. | Mixing device |
US4472063A (en) * | 1983-07-05 | 1984-09-18 | Inri-International New Roofing Industries, Inc. | Mixer implement for liquids |
US4483624A (en) * | 1982-08-25 | 1984-11-20 | Freeport Kaolin Company | High intensity conditioning mill and method |
US4534657A (en) * | 1983-07-14 | 1985-08-13 | Crepaco, Inc. | Blending and emulsifying apparatus |
US4538922A (en) * | 1984-07-02 | 1985-09-03 | Johnson William H | Portable mixing device |
US4738593A (en) * | 1986-06-06 | 1988-04-19 | Philips Industries Inc. | Centrifugal blower wheel |
US4893941A (en) * | 1987-07-06 | 1990-01-16 | Wayte Joseph M | Apparatus for mixing viscous liquid in a container |
US4900159A (en) * | 1987-09-17 | 1990-02-13 | Nl Industries | High shear mixing apparatus |
US4948262A (en) * | 1989-06-22 | 1990-08-14 | Tome Jr Floyd | Rotary mixing and straining apparatus |
US5073033A (en) * | 1989-11-15 | 1991-12-17 | Klepeis Stanley J | Liquid mixer |
US5251979A (en) * | 1992-07-24 | 1993-10-12 | Larsen Paul R | Paint can cover with mixer |
US5257902A (en) * | 1991-02-27 | 1993-11-02 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Blower with improved impeller vanes |
US5261745A (en) * | 1992-04-13 | 1993-11-16 | Watkins James R | Mixing apparatus with frusto-conically shaped impeller for mixing a liquid and a particulate solid |
US5314310A (en) * | 1986-05-07 | 1994-05-24 | Bachellier Carl R | Spider mounted centrifugal mixing impeller |
US5417493A (en) * | 1994-04-29 | 1995-05-23 | Ericson; Robert W. | Mixing device for joint compound and the like |
US5556203A (en) * | 1995-08-28 | 1996-09-17 | Filias; Gregory M. | Splash guard |
US5575562A (en) * | 1995-12-04 | 1996-11-19 | Borgia; Dawn | Splatter proof blender skirt |
US5766665A (en) * | 1995-05-26 | 1998-06-16 | Archibald Bros. Fine Beverages, Inc. | Method of preparing a multi-flavored comestible shake |
US5865539A (en) * | 1997-09-30 | 1999-02-02 | Rogers; Mike | Rotary mixing device for fluidic material |
US5938332A (en) * | 1997-10-27 | 1999-08-17 | Bachellier; Carl R. | Mixing device |
US5984518A (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 1999-11-16 | King; David Marshall | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US5988979A (en) * | 1996-06-04 | 1999-11-23 | Honeywell Consumer Products, Inc. | Centrifugal blower wheel with an upwardly extending, smoothly contoured hub |
US6012473A (en) * | 1998-03-18 | 2000-01-11 | Takehiko Koyama | Fluid mixer and roller cleaner |
US6062721A (en) * | 1996-12-05 | 2000-05-16 | King; David Marshall | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US6068395A (en) * | 1998-12-09 | 2000-05-30 | Ondracek; John | Pot stirring device with s-shaped stirring blades |
US6257753B1 (en) * | 2000-04-21 | 2001-07-10 | David Marshall King | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US20010010658A1 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2001-08-02 | King Ronnald B. | Method and apparatus for mixing viscous fluids |
US6325532B1 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2001-12-04 | Site-B Company | Method for mixing viscous fluids |
US20020015357A1 (en) * | 2000-08-01 | 2002-02-07 | Roland Langevin | Splatter shield |
US20020024885A1 (en) * | 2001-03-28 | 2002-02-28 | King Ronnald B. | Mixing device having vanes with sloping edges and Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US6446648B1 (en) * | 2000-02-11 | 2002-09-10 | Ronnald B. King | Method and apparatus for cleaning a roller cover |
US6520672B1 (en) * | 1999-03-22 | 2003-02-18 | Mike Whitney | Paint cleanup kit |
US6523995B2 (en) * | 2001-03-23 | 2003-02-25 | Chemineer, Inc. | In-tank mixing system and associated radial impeller |
US20030107950A1 (en) * | 2000-01-11 | 2003-06-12 | Shepherd Ian Clarence | Apparatus for mixing |
US6634785B2 (en) * | 2000-11-03 | 2003-10-21 | Ronald French | Mixer assembly |
US20040085856A1 (en) * | 2002-10-30 | 2004-05-06 | Murosako James K. | Mixer |
US6736538B2 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2004-05-18 | Dunkin' Donuts Incorporated | Mixing blade for drink preparation |
US6776518B2 (en) * | 2002-02-12 | 2004-08-17 | Lord Corporation | Container for transporting and storing field controllable fluid |
US20050047268A1 (en) * | 2003-08-27 | 2005-03-03 | Chen Chun Yong | Stirrer |
US6902315B2 (en) * | 2003-02-05 | 2005-06-07 | Dennis Oliver Hutchinson | Devices, methods and systems for mixing and stirring paints and the like |
US6971788B1 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2005-12-06 | Site-B Company | Fluid mixing device |
US6997444B2 (en) * | 2003-04-29 | 2006-02-14 | Spx Corporation | Radial disc impeller apparatus and method |
US7144150B2 (en) * | 2002-11-15 | 2006-12-05 | F'real Foods L.L.C. | Rinseable splash shield and method of use |
US20070086271A1 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2007-04-19 | Ralph Hamilton | Stirrer tool |
US7229206B2 (en) * | 1999-03-22 | 2007-06-12 | Mike Whitney | Geometric and perforated paint mixer and paint roller cleaner |
US20070297277A1 (en) * | 2006-06-24 | 2007-12-27 | Tytar Frank A | Multi-use portable mixing device |
US7422363B2 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2008-09-09 | Wilmer Parker | Fluid mixing apparatus |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2139640B1 (en) * | 1971-05-28 | 1973-05-25 | Chatard Henri | |
DE3245641A1 (en) * | 1982-12-09 | 1984-06-14 | EKATO Industrieanlagen Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH u. Co., 7860 Schopfheim | Agitator device |
DE3616203A1 (en) * | 1986-05-14 | 1987-11-19 | Plasty Spiel Und Sportartikel | Stirrer for paints |
DE29805820U1 (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 1998-07-09 | Roth Carl Gmbh & Co | Device for mixing liquids with solid particles and for stirring up sediments in vessels |
-
2008
- 2008-04-08 US US12/082,126 patent/US7473026B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (95)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US59493A (en) * | 1866-11-06 | Improvement in smut-machines | ||
US1412401A (en) * | 1920-10-14 | 1922-04-11 | Gotfredsen Carl | Protective shield for mixers and the like |
US2655436A (en) * | 1949-07-26 | 1953-10-13 | United States Steel Corp | Tank reactor |
US2619330A (en) * | 1949-09-09 | 1952-11-25 | Willems Peter | Mixing and dispersing device |
US2724547A (en) * | 1950-12-01 | 1955-11-22 | Utility Appliance Corp | Blower wheel |
US2736537A (en) * | 1952-09-03 | 1956-02-28 | Nelsson Nels | Mixing bit |
US2681211A (en) * | 1953-01-19 | 1954-06-15 | Marguerette E Reynolds | Food mixer |
US2753162A (en) * | 1953-11-06 | 1956-07-03 | Conley Ray | Paint mixer |
US2803398A (en) * | 1956-05-11 | 1957-08-20 | Vernco Corp | Convex back plate blower wheel |
US2879044A (en) * | 1956-11-13 | 1959-03-24 | Peter J Gunas | Paint mixing tool |
US3147957A (en) * | 1960-05-31 | 1964-09-08 | W J Cooper | Liquid mixing device |
US3166303A (en) * | 1961-08-09 | 1965-01-19 | Barton B Chapman | Power-driven mixing apparatus |
US3362338A (en) * | 1965-01-28 | 1968-01-09 | Armstrong Ltd S A | Impellers for centrifugal pumps |
US3319940A (en) * | 1966-04-08 | 1967-05-16 | Albert C Notte Jr | Device for stirring liquids |
US3362689A (en) * | 1966-11-15 | 1968-01-09 | Silverson Machines Ltd | Immersion mixing apparatus |
US3423075A (en) * | 1967-01-31 | 1969-01-21 | Nat Lead Co | Mixing device |
US3387832A (en) * | 1967-05-02 | 1968-06-11 | American Cyanamid Co | Apparatus for dispersing a gas in a liquid |
US3464622A (en) * | 1968-01-25 | 1969-09-02 | Donald I Dennis | Blower fan |
US3521973A (en) * | 1968-08-16 | 1970-07-28 | Anpol Research Corp | Fan construction |
US3690621A (en) * | 1969-03-04 | 1972-09-12 | Itsuko Tanaka | Agitator |
US3733645A (en) * | 1971-08-31 | 1973-05-22 | E Seiler | Paint mixing and paint roller mounting apparatus |
US3846043A (en) * | 1973-03-12 | 1974-11-05 | Broan Mfg Co Inc | Blower wheel |
US3942770A (en) * | 1973-06-25 | 1976-03-09 | U.S. Philips Corporation | Device for stirring a liquid |
US3972512A (en) * | 1973-09-24 | 1976-08-03 | Grise Frederick Gerard J | Mixing materials in containers |
US3920227A (en) * | 1974-06-13 | 1975-11-18 | Jr Philip E Davis | Adjustable mixing device |
US4175875A (en) * | 1976-10-29 | 1979-11-27 | Judd Van Horbek | Hand mixing apparatus |
US4159191A (en) * | 1977-08-01 | 1979-06-26 | Graybill Clinton L | Fluid rotor |
US4163616A (en) * | 1978-03-23 | 1979-08-07 | Finish Engineering Company, Inc. | Top-to-bottom mixer |
US4444510A (en) * | 1981-03-17 | 1984-04-24 | Nederlandse Centrale Organisatie Voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek | Stirrer, having substantially triangular, radial blades, rising toward the circumference |
US4483624A (en) * | 1982-08-25 | 1984-11-20 | Freeport Kaolin Company | High intensity conditioning mill and method |
US4451155A (en) * | 1983-01-20 | 1984-05-29 | A. R. Wilfley And Sons, Inc. | Mixing device |
US4472063A (en) * | 1983-07-05 | 1984-09-18 | Inri-International New Roofing Industries, Inc. | Mixer implement for liquids |
US4534657A (en) * | 1983-07-14 | 1985-08-13 | Crepaco, Inc. | Blending and emulsifying apparatus |
US4538922A (en) * | 1984-07-02 | 1985-09-03 | Johnson William H | Portable mixing device |
US5314310A (en) * | 1986-05-07 | 1994-05-24 | Bachellier Carl R | Spider mounted centrifugal mixing impeller |
US4738593A (en) * | 1986-06-06 | 1988-04-19 | Philips Industries Inc. | Centrifugal blower wheel |
US4893941A (en) * | 1987-07-06 | 1990-01-16 | Wayte Joseph M | Apparatus for mixing viscous liquid in a container |
US4900159A (en) * | 1987-09-17 | 1990-02-13 | Nl Industries | High shear mixing apparatus |
US4948262A (en) * | 1989-06-22 | 1990-08-14 | Tome Jr Floyd | Rotary mixing and straining apparatus |
US5073033A (en) * | 1989-11-15 | 1991-12-17 | Klepeis Stanley J | Liquid mixer |
US5257902A (en) * | 1991-02-27 | 1993-11-02 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Blower with improved impeller vanes |
US5261745A (en) * | 1992-04-13 | 1993-11-16 | Watkins James R | Mixing apparatus with frusto-conically shaped impeller for mixing a liquid and a particulate solid |
US5251979A (en) * | 1992-07-24 | 1993-10-12 | Larsen Paul R | Paint can cover with mixer |
US5417493A (en) * | 1994-04-29 | 1995-05-23 | Ericson; Robert W. | Mixing device for joint compound and the like |
US5766665A (en) * | 1995-05-26 | 1998-06-16 | Archibald Bros. Fine Beverages, Inc. | Method of preparing a multi-flavored comestible shake |
US5556203A (en) * | 1995-08-28 | 1996-09-17 | Filias; Gregory M. | Splash guard |
US5575562A (en) * | 1995-12-04 | 1996-11-19 | Borgia; Dawn | Splatter proof blender skirt |
US20030112700A1 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2003-06-19 | King David Marshall | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US6543927B2 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2003-04-08 | David Marshall King | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US5984518A (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 1999-11-16 | King; David Marshall | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US20060262637A1 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2006-11-23 | King Ronnald B | Method of mixing using mixing device having vanes with sloping edges |
US7070317B2 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2006-07-04 | Site-B Company | Method of mixing using vaned mixing device |
US20050195683A1 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2005-09-08 | King David M. | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US20040160854A1 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2004-08-19 | King Ronnald B. | Method of mixing using mixing device having vanes with sloping edges |
US6193405B1 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2001-02-27 | David Marshall King | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US6688764B2 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2004-02-10 | Site-B Company | Method of mixing using mixing device having vanes with sloping edges |
US20010010658A1 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2001-08-02 | King Ronnald B. | Method and apparatus for mixing viscous fluids |
US6286989B1 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2001-09-11 | Ronnald B. King | Mixing device with vanes having sloping edges and method of mixing viscous fluids |
US6315441B2 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2001-11-13 | Ronnald B. King | Mixing device with vanes having sloping edges and method of mixing viscous fluids |
US20010046180A1 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2001-11-29 | King David Marshall | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US6325532B1 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2001-12-04 | Site-B Company | Method for mixing viscous fluids |
US20030095469A1 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2003-05-22 | King Ronnald B. | Mixing device having vanes with sloping edges |
US6848823B2 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2005-02-01 | Site-B Company | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US6431741B2 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2002-08-13 | David Marshall King | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US7334936B2 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2008-02-26 | Site-B Company | Mixing device and method of mixing |
US20020181320A1 (en) * | 1995-12-05 | 2002-12-05 | King David Marshall | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US5988979A (en) * | 1996-06-04 | 1999-11-23 | Honeywell Consumer Products, Inc. | Centrifugal blower wheel with an upwardly extending, smoothly contoured hub |
US6062721A (en) * | 1996-12-05 | 2000-05-16 | King; David Marshall | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US5865539A (en) * | 1997-09-30 | 1999-02-02 | Rogers; Mike | Rotary mixing device for fluidic material |
US5938332A (en) * | 1997-10-27 | 1999-08-17 | Bachellier; Carl R. | Mixing device |
US6012473A (en) * | 1998-03-18 | 2000-01-11 | Takehiko Koyama | Fluid mixer and roller cleaner |
US6068395A (en) * | 1998-12-09 | 2000-05-30 | Ondracek; John | Pot stirring device with s-shaped stirring blades |
US7229206B2 (en) * | 1999-03-22 | 2007-06-12 | Mike Whitney | Geometric and perforated paint mixer and paint roller cleaner |
US6520672B1 (en) * | 1999-03-22 | 2003-02-18 | Mike Whitney | Paint cleanup kit |
US6736538B2 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2004-05-18 | Dunkin' Donuts Incorporated | Mixing blade for drink preparation |
US20030107950A1 (en) * | 2000-01-11 | 2003-06-12 | Shepherd Ian Clarence | Apparatus for mixing |
US6446648B1 (en) * | 2000-02-11 | 2002-09-10 | Ronnald B. King | Method and apparatus for cleaning a roller cover |
US6818071B2 (en) * | 2000-02-11 | 2004-11-16 | Ronnald B. King | Method and apparatus for cleaning a roller cover |
US6257753B1 (en) * | 2000-04-21 | 2001-07-10 | David Marshall King | Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US20020015357A1 (en) * | 2000-08-01 | 2002-02-07 | Roland Langevin | Splatter shield |
US20060083106A1 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2006-04-20 | Donald Gringer | Fluid mixing device |
US6971788B1 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2005-12-06 | Site-B Company | Fluid mixing device |
US7226205B2 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2007-06-05 | Site-B Company | Fluid mixing device |
US6634785B2 (en) * | 2000-11-03 | 2003-10-21 | Ronald French | Mixer assembly |
US6523995B2 (en) * | 2001-03-23 | 2003-02-25 | Chemineer, Inc. | In-tank mixing system and associated radial impeller |
US20020024885A1 (en) * | 2001-03-28 | 2002-02-28 | King Ronnald B. | Mixing device having vanes with sloping edges and Method of mixing viscous fluids |
US6776518B2 (en) * | 2002-02-12 | 2004-08-17 | Lord Corporation | Container for transporting and storing field controllable fluid |
US20040085856A1 (en) * | 2002-10-30 | 2004-05-06 | Murosako James K. | Mixer |
US7144150B2 (en) * | 2002-11-15 | 2006-12-05 | F'real Foods L.L.C. | Rinseable splash shield and method of use |
US6902315B2 (en) * | 2003-02-05 | 2005-06-07 | Dennis Oliver Hutchinson | Devices, methods and systems for mixing and stirring paints and the like |
US6997444B2 (en) * | 2003-04-29 | 2006-02-14 | Spx Corporation | Radial disc impeller apparatus and method |
US20050047268A1 (en) * | 2003-08-27 | 2005-03-03 | Chen Chun Yong | Stirrer |
US7422363B2 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2008-09-09 | Wilmer Parker | Fluid mixing apparatus |
US20070086271A1 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2007-04-19 | Ralph Hamilton | Stirrer tool |
US20070297277A1 (en) * | 2006-06-24 | 2007-12-27 | Tytar Frank A | Multi-use portable mixing device |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090135668A1 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2009-05-28 | Ralph Hamilton | Stirrer Tool With Radially and Distally Extending Flexible Projections |
US7578611B2 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2009-08-25 | Ralph Hamilton | Stirrer tool with radially and distally extending flexible projections |
CN102451626A (en) * | 2010-10-26 | 2012-05-16 | 上海图博可特石油管道涂层有限公司 | Field stirring and mixing method for two-component coating and stirring squirrel cage for same |
WO2013082717A1 (en) * | 2011-12-06 | 2013-06-13 | Bachellier Carl Roy | Improved impeller apparatus and dispersion method |
US9682348B2 (en) | 2011-12-06 | 2017-06-20 | Enevor Inc. | Impeller apparatus and dispersion method |
US9863423B2 (en) | 2014-04-14 | 2018-01-09 | Enevor Inc. | Conical impeller and applications thereof |
IT201600072215A1 (en) * | 2016-07-11 | 2018-01-11 | Caseartecnica Bartoli S R L | AGITATOR EQUIPMENT WITH SAFETY OIL SEALER, SAFETY KIT INSTALLABLE ON MIXING EQUIPMENT |
WO2019075627A1 (en) * | 2017-10-17 | 2019-04-25 | 赵锦成 | Novel disperser |
US20220183504A1 (en) * | 2020-12-16 | 2022-06-16 | Jose Garcia | Drink Mixer Apparatus |
US11589711B2 (en) * | 2020-12-16 | 2023-02-28 | Jose Garcia | Drink mixer apparatus |
CN112675723A (en) * | 2020-12-18 | 2021-04-20 | 广州妍肌化妆品科技有限公司 | Cosmetics vacuum emulsification device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7473026B2 (en) | 2009-01-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7473026B2 (en) | Method for cleaning a rotary mixing device with a cleaning shield | |
EP1808224B1 (en) | Apparatus and method for mixing viscous fluids | |
US7553065B2 (en) | Mixing device | |
US20050195683A1 (en) | Method of mixing viscous fluids | |
US6325532B1 (en) | Method for mixing viscous fluids | |
EP3266311A1 (en) | Rotatable mixing member for batch-freezer machines | |
US7229206B2 (en) | Geometric and perforated paint mixer and paint roller cleaner | |
AU2001291089A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for mixing viscous fluids | |
EP1011853B1 (en) | Viscous fluid mixer | |
US6062721A (en) | Method of mixing viscous fluids | |
US9084971B1 (en) | Paint agitating system | |
US20050052947A1 (en) | Stir stick chuck | |
CN207838936U (en) | Autoclave with cleaning device | |
CN213995725U (en) | Chemical medicine agitating unit |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SITE-B COMPANY, WASHINGTON Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CLAWSON, ROSS;HANSON, RANDY;WASLEY, JANE;REEL/FRAME:020821/0720;SIGNING DATES FROM 20080403 TO 20080408 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT, IL Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:HOMAX PRODUCTS, INC.;OSMEGEN INCORPORATED;REEL/FRAME:028191/0838 Effective date: 20120510 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HOMAX PRODUCTS, INC., WASHINGTON Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:SITE-B COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:028559/0556 Effective date: 20091215 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20130106 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: OSMEGEN INCORPORATED, WASHINGTON Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME 028191/0838;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:033267/0147 Effective date: 20140701 Owner name: HOMAX PRODUCTS, INC., WASHINGTON Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME 028191/0838;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:033267/0147 Effective date: 20140701 |